by Jim
So I recently got my hands on a pair of action figures that I was really excited to get. The first one was the Toys R Us limited Edition Black Series Rey. I wasn’t planning on purchasing this one as I got the standard version of this figure… but when Toys R Us going out of business, I got it for $8. and honestly, … Read More Action Figure Review: The Good, The Bad…
by Jim
So every now and then I go to my Youtube playlist and click on a couple of videos on the recommended list, hoping to find some new music to try out. Every now and then I come across a gem… other times, I wind up with a headache, questioning my existence. Finding this little gem is the result of the former. They’re fairly generic … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’ve been working on my story for a while, but am having trouble coming up with new characters. I was wondering if you had any advice about how you create yours? By the way, I am a huge fan of Vlad from Soul Siphon. I love how you made him a salty old Soviet Commie! Thanks, Ty Hi Ty, Glad you … Read More Character Creation, The How To
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m getting ready to publish my first novel. I’ve finished the rough draft and have given it to an editor. They came back with a critique and it honestly got me thinking. He said that my ending may shut readers off because of how sad it is. I will admit that my story doesn’t end on a high note, but now I’m … Read More Endings: Memorable is More Important Than Happy or Sad.
by Jim
Poor Rihanna, and I mean that literally. This is an artist who peaked way too early in her career. I’m not usually into this type of thing, but this song found a place on my playlist very quickly. When to Listen: Villain creation is a good place to start, but also during the creation of dark scenes. I like to listen to it at night … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
So I wanted to take a moment and introduce some of the new characters that will be appearing in the next book. If you’d rather wait until it comes out to read about them, feel free to skip this post. Sergeant Radley Zall: Radley grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. After his parents died in the Red War, he was moved to an orphanage. He lived … Read More A Drakin Sequel. Character Introduction
by Jim
First of all, I want to thank everyone for the kind email of support! Your critiques and comments are what keep me writing! I may not be able to respond to every comment and critique I get, but rest assured I do love reading every single one of them and make every effort to get back to you! As stated before, yes there will … Read More A Drakin Sequel? Updated
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m sure you’ve answered this before, but I can’t find it in any of your recent posts. I finished my book and just finished running spell check. Everything looks good and the only things it says I still have to fix are grammar errors that are part of the dialogue. Is that sufficient for submitting it to publishers? Thanks, Michel Hi Michel, … Read More Is Spellcheck Enough?
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m having trouble with two separate stories I’m writing. I’ve got both of them complete, but neither one of them is particularly long and I don’t think they’re strong enough to stand by themselves. I wrote them as sort of a separate story in the same universe where the characters from both stories meet up at the end and basically finish off … Read More Two Stories In One
by Jim
This is definitely some of the more run of the mill Avantasia. Even so, I do love it. Seeing them live is still #1 on my bucket list. When to Listen: Adventure story, usually when the hero first metaphorically picks up his sword. When something or someone he loves is taken from him and he begins his journey to get it back. Readers, Do you … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’ve gotten a few questions asking about the possibility of a Drakin sequel. I want to make it clear that Raiya and Jagger’s story is complete. There really isn’t much more to go over with them. That having been said… yes there will be a follow-up story. I have just finished the preliminary work on the sequel. I’m currently on the second draft and … Read More A Drakin Sequel?
by Jim
I’m admittedly not a huge fan of these guys. Their lead singer’s voice just doesn’t fit very well and he often sounds like he’s straining to hit high notes. That being said, they do have some gems. This is one of them. Ghost Division from The Art of War. When to listen: Given who this song is about… I would say use it when creating your villain. The music isn’t all that dark, but it paints some decent imagery. On a side note, if you want a version with better vocals (sorry Sabaton fans!) Minniva does a pretty serviceable version: Readers, Do … Read More From My Writing Playlist
James Harringtons Creative Work 